The Physics Teaching Podcast

[https://i0.wp.com/the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Farewell-image.jpeg?resize=640%2C405&ssl=1] Dear Listener, we have some sad news to share. After seven seasons and 140 episodes, we’re wrapping up the podcast and will no longer be recording new content. We recorded One Last Podcast to reminisce. It has been an absolute privilege—and so much fun—to connect with all of you out there in the physics teaching community. We’ve met some incredible guests, had fascinating discussions, and plenty of laughs along the way. But do not fear, our back catalogue will remain, offering many hours of recordings and pages of tips and tricks for you to browse at your leisure and incorporate into your teaching portfolio. And remember, there also are many other amazing communities for physics teachers like you and us. You are not alone! So we’ve included a few links below to help you stay connected. Thank you so much for being part of this journey with us. Thomas, Rosie and Robin Organisations supporting Teachers of Physics: * Ogden Trust [https://www.ogdentrust.com] * Institute of Physics Teacher CPD [https://www.iop.org/education/support-school-college-physics-teachers/cpd-teachers] * STEM Learning [https://www.stem.org.uk] * Cognitive Science for Science Teachers Community [https://cogscisci.wordpress.com] JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. MUSIC * Season 7: Physics Is Our Business by Miracles of Modern Science [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Miracles_of_Modern_Science/MEEMS/Miracles_of_Modern_Science_-_MEEMS_-_06_Physics_Is_Our_Business/]. * Seasons 5 and 6: Crescents by Ketsa [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Crescents]. * Seasons 3 and 4: Disco Sheik by Podington Bear [https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Disco_Sheik]. * Seasons 1 and 2: One legged equilibrist polka by Circus Homunculus [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Circus_Homunculus/Recordings_1915_-_1931/04_One_legged_equilibrist_polka]. * Occasionally we also use Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jackson_F_Smith/Jackson_Frederick_Smith/Cantina_Rag]. The music is used under the Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/] Please enable JavaScript to use the contact form. Your Name Your Email Email Subject How many L in the word LULLABY? Your Message Send a copy to your email address? Send Message

[https://i0.wp.com/the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/117387802_apex_hovering_ship_illusion_03.jpg.webp?resize=660%2C371&ssl=1] Whilst Robin is off on a vigilante mission to rescue his partner, stranded by English Public transport, Rosie and Thomas have a jolly catch-up about supporting physics students with extra-curricular projects and finding work experience placements. They also explore ways to teach the Particle Theory of matter and its related topics such as density and the gas laws. Interestingly there seem to be many Space related stories linking to this topic, allowing teachers to link the curriculum to careers and real-life stories. Links: * UK Space Early Careers Internships [https://www.ukspace.org/careers/pre-and-early-career-opportunities/] * Harwell Science Campus Early Careers and Work Experience [https://pages.harwellcampus.com/early-careers-and-work-experience] * Crest Science Awards [https://www.crestawards.org] * Hovering Ship off the Cornish Coast Article [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-56286719] * Application – Using Mercury to Float Lighthouse Lenses [https://hakaimagazine.com/article-short/dark-side-lighthouses/#:~:text=In%20the%201890s%2C%20some%20keepers,faster%20with%20less%20frequent%20winding.] * Application – Michelson and Morley floating a block of stone on mercury to measure the speed of light [https://history.aip.org/exhibits/einstein/ae20.htm#:~:text=Michelson%20and%20Morley's%20experiment,its%20orbit%20around%20the%20sun.] * Kicking a rugby ball on the moon thought experiment [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/2018/11/30/kicking-a-rock-on-the-moon/] * Marshmallow in a syringe demo (40 second YouTube overview) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3k791O43NU] * Water boiling in a syringe at low pressure [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt3AQF6gsDc] * BBC news – Exploding Tunnock’s Tea Cakes Story [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20x5x0g3kqo#:~:text='Exploding'%20Tunnock's%20teacakes%20cleared%20by%20tests%20to%20fly%20again&text=Now%20the%20RAF%20Centre%20of,the%20teacakes%20did%20not%20explode.] JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. MUSIC * Season 7: Physics Is Our Business by Miracles of Modern Science [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Miracles_of_Modern_Science/MEEMS/Miracles_of_Modern_Science_-_MEEMS_-_06_Physics_Is_Our_Business/]. * Seasons 5 and 6: Crescents by Ketsa [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Crescents]. * Seasons 3 and 4: Disco Sheik by Podington Bear [https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Disco_Sheik]. * Seasons 1 and 2: One legged equilibrist polka by Circus Homunculus [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Circus_Homunculus/Recordings_1915_-_1931/04_One_legged_equilibrist_polka]. * Occasionally we also use Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jackson_F_Smith/Jackson_Frederick_Smith/Cantina_Rag]. The music is used under the Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/] Please enable JavaScript to use the contact form. Your Name Your Email Email Subject How many L in the word LULLABY? Your Message Send a copy to your email address? Send Message

[https://i0.wp.com/the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0998.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1] Dear listener, the stars have aligned! Thomas, Robin, and Rosie—have managed to gather together as a trio to share their arsenal of revision techniques for Key Stage 3. Brace yourself for a whirlwind tour through their best tools and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a wide-eyed trainee, we hope there is something fresh to take away. Expect mind-maps, plasticine and mighty Tarsia puzzles that are guaranteed to spark joy and problem-solving prowess in equal measure. Links: * Doppler Buzzer Demo [http://Doppler Buzzer You Tube Demo] * Mind Mapping Basics [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLWV0XN7K1g] * BBC Bitesize [https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize] * Seneca Learning [https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/] * CGP revision guides [https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/ks3?srsltid=AfmBOooZ0YlYTHITxQ_npl20raaleU9a7iNDMi79NZO4o1iFgENqMu4e&aliaspath=%2fSecondary-Books%2fKS3] * Tarsia Maker Programme – Make your own [https://www.tarsiamaker.co.uk] * Kahoot – multiple choice quiz on phones [https://kahoot.com] * Blooket – Phone quiz games against peers [https://www.blooket.com] * Quizlet – Flashcard based quizzes for self study and revision [https://quizlet.com/gb] * Plickers – Formative assessment quizzes with just a teacher phone [https://get.plickers.com] JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. MUSIC * Season 7: Physics Is Our Business by Miracles of Modern Science [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Miracles_of_Modern_Science/MEEMS/Miracles_of_Modern_Science_-_MEEMS_-_06_Physics_Is_Our_Business/]. * Seasons 5 and 6: Crescents by Ketsa [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Crescents]. * Seasons 3 and 4: Disco Sheik by Podington Bear [https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Disco_Sheik]. * Seasons 1 and 2: One legged equilibrist polka by Circus Homunculus [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Circus_Homunculus/Recordings_1915_-_1931/04_One_legged_equilibrist_polka]. * Occasionally we also use Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jackson_F_Smith/Jackson_Frederick_Smith/Cantina_Rag]. The music is used under the Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/] Please enable JavaScript to use the contact form. Your Name Your Email Email Subject How many L in the word LULLABY? Your Message Send a copy to your email address? Send Message

With Thomas still away on his travels, Rosie and Robin take the opportunity to catch up on all that’s been happening. Robin spills the beans on some new tips and tricks he’s picked up at his new school. Think hands-on modelling for sixth form—it’s practical, fun, and downright genius! We’ve also got a special treat for you—a guest appearance from none other than Ben Rogers, a brilliant friend of the podcast! Ben dives into his fascinating research on introducing primary school children to models for electricity, a topic that’s notoriously tricky but oh-so-important Links: Ben Rogers New Book – Primary Science in a Nutshell [https://www.millgatehouse.co.uk/product/primary-science-in-a-nutshell/] Ben Rogers Book – The Big Ideas in Physics and How to teach them [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Ideas-Physics-Teach-Them/dp/1138235067] The rope loop model – GCSE physics online [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt7QaPb5Tko] Sweets and cups model – Open University [https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=64826§ion=8.3] Energy Ball – For circuits using students [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Safari-652116-Energy-Cosmic-Ball/dp/B00J5LWPTO#:~:text=The%20ball%20is%20designed%20to,one%2Don%2Done%20instruction.] PHET circuit builder [https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/circuit-construction-kit-dc] JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. MUSIC * Season 7: Physics Is Our Business by Miracles of Modern Science [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Miracles_of_Modern_Science/MEEMS/Miracles_of_Modern_Science_-_MEEMS_-_06_Physics_Is_Our_Business/]. * Seasons 5 and 6: Crescents by Ketsa [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Crescents]. * Seasons 3 and 4: Disco Sheik by Podington Bear [https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Disco_Sheik]. * Seasons 1 and 2: One legged equilibrist polka by Circus Homunculus [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Circus_Homunculus/Recordings_1915_-_1931/04_One_legged_equilibrist_polka]. * Occasionally we also use Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jackson_F_Smith/Jackson_Frederick_Smith/Cantina_Rag]. The music is used under the Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/] Please enable JavaScript to use the contact form. Your Name Your Email Email Subject How many L in the word LULLABY? Your Message Send a copy to your email address? Send Message

Rosie and Robin finally get a chance to catch up—and let’s be honest, it’s long overdue! Meanwhile, Thomas has packed his bags for *another* holiday adventure, but not before sitting down with Richard Brock to discuss the art of storytelling in the classroom. Richard shares his wisdom on how stories, when used judiciously, can both enrich learning and bring joy to teaching. They’re the luxury treats that brighten the classroom narrative, but there’s a delicate balance—stories should enhance, not distract from, the core content. Tune in for insights, laughs, and a reminder of why storytelling is such an essential tool for education. LINKS * IOP Stories from Physics, by Richard Brock [https://spark.iop.org/stories-physics] * Isaac Newton’s BirthPlace – WoolsThorpe Manor [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/woolsthorpe-manor] * The Cavendish – discovery of DNA by Watson and Crick [https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/DNA-structure-discovery-cambridge-70th-anniversary] JOIN IN! Please share ideas or successes – or indeed questions by messaging us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/physicstp.bsky.social] .  You can also message us via our website contact form on every page of the web site at  the.physicsteachingpodcast.com [https://the.physicsteachingpodcast.com/], or email using the address given in the podcast (if we remember). We are moving away from X but can be found there as @physicstp. MUSIC * Season 7: Physics Is Our Business by Miracles of Modern Science [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Miracles_of_Modern_Science/MEEMS/Miracles_of_Modern_Science_-_MEEMS_-_06_Physics_Is_Our_Business/]. * Seasons 5 and 6: Crescents by Ketsa [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/Crescents]. * Seasons 3 and 4: Disco Sheik by Podington Bear [https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Dance_1228/Disco_Sheik]. * Seasons 1 and 2: One legged equilibrist polka by Circus Homunculus [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Circus_Homunculus/Recordings_1915_-_1931/04_One_legged_equilibrist_polka]. * Occasionally we also use Cantina Rag by Jackson F. Smith [http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jackson_F_Smith/Jackson_Frederick_Smith/Cantina_Rag]. The music is used under the Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/] Please enable JavaScript to use the contact form. Your Name Your Email Email Subject How many L in the word LULLABY? Your Message Send a copy to your email address? Send Message